This bill provides statutory authority for, and increases, the maximum monthly allowances for milk under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
The WIC food packages provide supplemental foods designed to address the specific nutritional needs of income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum individuals, infants, and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk. Currently, federal regulations list seven WIC food packages, which specify eligible foods (e.g., milk, fruits and vegetables) and their quantities (i.e., a maximum monthly allowance). Specifically, Food Package IV applies to children who are one year through four years old. Food Packages V through VII apply to pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum individuals.
For Food Packages IV through VII, the bill establishes a maximum monthly allowance for milk of 16 to 24 quarts, depending on the food package, compared to 12 to 16 quarts under current regulations.